PAC Dollars to Incumbents, Challengers, and Open Seat Candidates

Political action committees have one overriding mandate: get the most bang for the buck. To maximize their
dollars, nearly all PACs - particularly those of business groups - give the overwhelming proportion of their campaign dollars
to incumbents. With congressional re-election rates typically in the 90 percent range, from their point of view that's a sound
investment. Labor groups also give heavily to incumbents. Ideological groups, on the other hand, are much more likely to take
a chance on political newcomers.

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